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New Home Construction

Single-family, duplex, or townhome construction

Residential new construction requires a permit and preparation of plans. This type of residential project requires you to submit a detailed plan which allows us to perform a plan review.

Documents required

The below information is what we require to be included on your plans. See our guide for more information.

Note: failing to submit all the required application materials will result in a rejected application.

Plans drawn to scale shall include
- Foundation plan
- Floor plan(s)
- Cross section(s)
- Elevation plans (all sides)
- Lookout or walkout elevations (if applicable)
Certificate of Survey prepared by Minnesota registered land surveyor for all new dwellings. An as-built survey must be approved by the city before the framing inspection.
Energy Compliance Certificate.
Heat load calculations (Manual J) and Mechanical code ventilation worksheet.

Revising a plan

If you build your residential project in any way that does not follow the city approved plan after the permit has been issued, revised plans shall be electronically submitted to the city for review. Your project cannot proceed until the revised plans have been approved.

Submitting documents

The required plans and documents listed above shall be submitted through our Electronic Permit Application.

Instructions can be found here.

Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved, paid, and issued.

Electronic Permit Application

Plan review

A plan review is conducted to ensure the plans submitted follow applicable codes. This insures we are keeping people safe where they live, work and play, and keeping buildings and property safe, durable, accessible, and energy efficient.

Review and approval will depend on the complexity of the project and completeness of the submittal documents.

Please allow seven to ten business days for plan review, during the summer construction season wait times will be longer.

Once the plan review is completed and application is approved, you will be emailed letting you know the application is ready for payment.

Note: Construction work cannot begin until the permit has been approved, paid, and issued.

Fees

Fees are based on total square footage of the addition to be built. Click Here to see the city’s current fee schedules >

Required inspections

Footings – Shall be inspected after forms and reinforcing bars (if applicable) are in place but prior to the placement of concrete.
Foundations
- Foundation inspections for poured walls shall be made after all forms are in place with any required reinforcing steel and bracing in place, and prior to placement of concrete.
Sheathing – Shall be inspected prior to installing weather resistive barrier. This inspection can be combined with the framing inspection if you notify the inspector.
Rated walls – (if applicable) Shall be inspected prior to joints and fasteners are taped or covered.
Framing – Shall be inspected after rough-in inspections for plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fireplace have been approved. As built survey is required to be submitted and approved prior to framing inspection.
Insulation – Shall be inspected once insulation and vapor barrier are installed, but prior to covering.
Lath – (if applicable) Shall be inspected after lathing materials are in place, but before any plastering or first coat is applied.
Building Final – Shall be inspected after final inspections for plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fireplace (if applicable) have been approved.

Apply for a permit

Start your application here.